Parker Out Soon

*Update On Parker* 3/2/08

According to sources, there was no word on an agreement by Saturday night on guard Smush Parker. They continued to negotiate a potential contract buyout. I will definitely keep you guys in the loop as we're all anxious to see him pack his bags.

(2/29/08) It looks like Riley is working on a deal that will kick Smush Parker out the door. A buyout is in the works indicated by Pat Riley before the Seattle game. The buyout is set to be completed by Saturday 11:59pm deadline for Parker to retain playoff eligibility with another team.

Finally, the Heat is working on a buyout to get this bum off the Heat team. Many Heat fans including myself, had been wishing to either trade him or buy him out. Heat fans...your wish will come true soon.

Marion's First Win

The Miami Heat torched the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night as they finally cut their 11 game losing streak. It is also Shawn Marion's first win as a Heat member. You can tell from Marion's post-game interview that he needed that win. Marion's great in the 6 games averaging 17.8 PPG & 10.5 RPG. Tonight was also Haslem's first game coming back from his high ankle injury. Haslem was back to his PF position so that pushed Marion back to his natural spot. Dorell Wright did not play for some reason. Through out the whole game, the Heat was up about 3-7 points until they smoked the Kings during the 3rd quarter, leading as much as 25+ points. After that, the Kings never caught up and so the Heat beat the Kings 107-86, their first blowout game of the season. Thursday's game against one of the top 5 teams in the league, the LA Lakers. This will be a tough game for the Heat but let's hope we can grab a win.

Cook to D-League?

Looks like Pat Riley is considering demoting Daequan Cook to the Iowa Energy of the D-League. Riley is says time in the D-League could help give Cook boost. When Cook made his debut he played well (first dunk in Boston, dunked Posey). Several games later, he made a 3-pointer that sent the game to overtime. Heat fans were excited & energized about Cook. But he quickly became a streaker shooter, missing a lot of shots and Riley benched him. Now, Pat Riley is planning on sending Cook to the D-League for a month in hopes to energize him and maybe come back to play the remaining of the season.

The Riley Experiment "Now's the time!"

Now that Haslem is back from his high ankle injury, where will Marion be place at? Marion at his natural SF or replace Haslem's PF? In the next few games, I expect Riley to shake up the roster and experiment. Most likely Haslem will start and Wright coming off the bench. If there's a time to experiment the roles of each player, "Now's the time!" Marcus Banks has been pretty good coming off the bench. In some instances, he plays good D and getting steals. I think it would be a good idea to have him start a couple of games and see what he brings to the table. J-Will "MIGHT" not be here next year, and for sure Smush Parker will be either traded or bought out.

I like to see this lineup: Blount, Haslem, Marion, Wade, Banks for a few games. This sounds like a running team but is it effective? I don't know. But it's worth the experiment. We've seen Chris Quinn coming off the bench pretty good, Dorell is getting better, Barron & Anthony are inexperience, but all of this is evaluation period. This is good because there will be adjustments and decisions to be made this off-season. With the remaining of these games, I expect Riley to take full advantage and rebuild the Heat fast.

Defenseless Heat

After watching the Heat getting torched by the Houston Rockets Thursday night, one of the biggest problems that this team had since the beginning of the year is "Defense." There are numerous games when the Heat are up by 5+ points with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter just melts down. Their poor Defense and Rebounding had cost them and it is why they are 9-43. But it is also that this team is just bad. Should this continue with the last half of the season; expect Pat Riley to make definite big changes to improve their Defense this off-season.

Heat Shopping for Big Man

The Heat are known to be looking for a big man in the wake of Shaquille O'Neal's departure, and Nene for Jason Williams' expiring contract would work financially and positionally for the Nuggets, who need payroll relief and a point guard. Source

Wade Wants Rebuilding Fast

In 3 years Wade has the option to opt out. Building through the draft takes 2+ years and Wade may have no patience for that. "We're looking to come into next summer and really do some things," Wade said. "Whatever we do in the draft is what we do, but we're looking to get veteran guys." Palm Beach Post

The Heat has been linked in trade talks are Warriors forward Michael Pietrus, Grizzlies Mike Miller & Memphis Kyle Lowry. What about Smush Parker? Riley is definitely going to do something about that. What about a trade or a buyout? "The Heat also approaches the trading deadline hopeful of putting an end to the situation with point guard Smush Parker, who has been on paid leave from the team since a November run-in with a valet-parking attendant. Should a Parker deal not be found, a buyout or an action of reinstatement by the players' union could be the next step." Sun-Sentinel

Marion already said he'll stay put for the Heat. But with Pat Riley's genius mind, he may be able to work something out with Marion and offer him a long term deal. That may give the Heat some more cap room to bring another player.

Pat Riley believes the race to rebuild is full speed ahead for the Heat. "We're going to turn this around as fast as we can," Riley said. Palm Beach Post

Trade Deadline This Thursday

There are some speculations that the Heat might still be shopping. One of the latest rumors are to either send Jason Williams or Ricky Davis in exchange for Mike Miller.
Memphis wants the expiring contracts so they can open up cap space for this summer's free agents. Pat has always denied about trade rumors and always say "We are not in discussion with any team right now." So the chances of this happening may be significantly high. Come back as this story continues to develop.

Is Riley done trading?

The Heat MIGHT not be done just yet. Does he continue to make moves to clear up more cap space? Maybe package a Mark Blount & Udonis Haslem and ship out Blount's contract? The Heat might be setting themselves up for this upcoming off-season with many potential free agents. I do not have the list but some of these players will be Iverson, Arenas, Jamison, Brand, Okafor, J.O'Neal, etc...* Don't forget we also have a our top 5 pick in the draft.

Source by ESPN

2008 Free Agents Restricted

Key: ETO = Early Termination Option; P = Player Option; T = Team Option; '07 QO's = BOLD

Atlanta: Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Salim Stoudamire, Mario West
Boston: Tony Allen
Charlotte: Jermareo Davidson (T), Ryan Hollins, Emeka Okafor
Chicago: Luol Deng, Demetris Nichols, Ben Gordon, Viktor Khryapa
Cleveland: Daniel Gibson, Dwayne Jones
Dallas: Jose Juan Barea
Denver: Yakhouba Diawara, J.R. Smith, Von Wafer
Detroit: Alex Acker, Walter Herrmann
Golden State: Kelenna Azubuike (P), Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis, C.J. Watson
Houston: Carl Landry, Steve Novak (T), Kirk Snyder
Indiana: Stephen Graham (T), David Harrison, Andre Owens
L.A. Clippers: Paul Davis, Shaun Livingston
L.A. Lakers: Ronny Turiaf, Sasha Vujacic
Memphis: Andre Brown, Juan Carlos Navarro
Miami: Chris Quinn, Dorell Wright
Milwaukee: Ersan Ilyasova, David Noel, Awvee Storey (T)
Minnesota: Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith, Chris Richard, Sebastian Telfair
New Jersey: Nenad Krstic
New York: Randolph Morris
Orlando: James Augustine
Philadelphia: Louis Amundson, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams
Phoenix: None
Portland: None
Sacramento: Justin Williams
San Antonio: None
Seatle: Mickael Gelabale, Robert Swift, Delonte West
Toronto: Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino
Utah: C.J. Miles, Paul Millsap (T)
Washington: None

2008 Free Agents Unrestricted

Atlanta: Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright
Boston: Eddie House, Scot Pollard, James Posey (P)
Charlotte: Derek Anderson, Earl Boykins, Othella Harrington (T), Jeff McInnis
Chicago: Chris Duhon
Cleveland: Devin Brown, Shannon Brown, Ira Newble
Dallas: DeSagana Diop, Devean George, Eddie Jones (P), Juwan Howard
Denver: Anthony Carter, Allen Iverson (ETO), Eduardo Najera
Detroit: Primoz Brezec, Jarvis Hayes, Lindsey Hunter, Flip Murray
Golden State: Matt Barnes, Austin Croshere, Baron Davis (ETO), Patrick O'Bryant,
Mickael Pietrus, Chris Webber
Houston: Steve Francis (P), Dikembe Mutombo, Bonzi Wells
Indiana: Jermaine O'Neal (ETO), Kareem Rush
L.A. Clippers: Elton Brand (ETO), Sam Cassell, Dan Dickau, Corey Maggette (ETO), Quinton Ross, Aaron Williams
L.A. Lakers: Trevor Ariza (P), Chris Mihm (P)
Memphis: Kwame Brown, Casey Jacobsen, Stromile Swift (P)
Miami: Earl Barron, Ricky Davis, Luke Jackson, Alonzo Mourning, Smush Parker (P), Jason Williams
Milwaukee: Royal Ivey, Michael Ruffin, Jake Voskuhl
Minnesota: Michael Doleac, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff
New Jersey: Malik Allen, Darrell Armstrong, Jamaal Magloire, Bostjan Nachbar, Antoine Wright
New Orleans: Ryan Bowen, Melvin Ely (P), Jannero Pargo (P)
New York: Fred Jones, Stephon Marbury (ETO)
Orlando: Carlos Arroyo, Keith Bogans (P), Keyon Dooling, Maurice Evans, Adonal Foyle (P), Pat Garrity
Philadelphia: Louis Amundson, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams
Phoenix: Grant Hill (P), Shawn Marion (ETO), Sean Marks, Eric Piatkowski, Brian Skinner
Portland: James Jones (P), Raef LaFrentz (ETO)
Sacramento: Ron Artest (ETO), Kenny Thomas (ETO), Beno Udrih, Dahntay Jones
San Antonio: Brent Barry, Francisco Elson, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, Damon Stoudamire, Jacque Vaughn (P)
Seatle: Mickael Gelabale, Robert Swift, Delonte West
Toronto: Juan Dixon, Darrick Martin, Rasho Nesterovic (P)
Utah: Jason Hart (P)
Washington: Gilbert Arenas (ETO), Antawn Jamison, Roger Mason

Shaq trade in serious talks

***Latest Update***
Shaq will be flying Wednesday to Phoenix for exam. If successful, he maybe a new member of the Suns. Marion is also reported to be fine with this trade.

MORE sources from ESPN ESPN Shaq Trade Rumor



This source was reported by Sun-Sentinel. Sun-Sentinel

"The courtship that began with a diesel truck motoring up to AmericanAirlines Arena in July 2004 soon could have The Diesel headed back out of town.

Numerous sources, both those close to the Heat and some aware of NBA personnel moves, confirmed Tuesday that the Heat is engaged in talks to trade center Shaquille O'Neal.

An industry source close to the situation confirmed Tuesday night that there is a deal being discussed that would send O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.

The source, who initially viewed the deal as implausible in light of the Suns' fast-paced approach, said he now could see it come to fruition within 48 hours, if it comes to pass at all.

The Heat has had interest in both Marion in Banks in recent seasons, linked to each in various trade speculation.

Marion is enticing both because of his athletic, well-rounded game, as well as having a contract that has only one additional season, at $17.8 million for 2008-09 on his deal.

Unlike O'Neal, who has two additional seasons, at $20 million per year left on his contract, an acquisition of Marion could allow the Heat to enter the free-agent market no later that the 2009 offseason, and possibly as early as this coming offseason, should the versatile forward chose to opt out of his contract this summer for the lengthier deal elsewhere.

Banks has three additional seasons on his contract beyond this season, at an average of $4.5 million per year. While he has proven inconsistent in his time with the Celtics, Timberwolves and Suns, his presence could ease the expected departure of Heat point guard Jason Williams, who becomes a free agent this summer.

Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was evasive on his Tuesday radio show on Phoenix station KTAR.

"It'll be until it won't be," D'Antoni said of the rampant speculation of an impending deal. "As soon as nothing happens, it goes away."

Days after Heat coach Pat Riley said "there's no truth" to an ESPN report that said the team was quietly shopping the center, one of O'Neal teammates said Tuesday "there are some rumblings" regarding O'Neal leaving the team.


While O'Neal underwent a second MRI Tuesday on his inflamed left hip, someone with knowledge of the situation said the center mostly has been biding his time in light of the Heat's 9-37 record, the personal distraction of a pending divorce, and the hope of ending his career in a winning situation.

O'Neal said last week that he was confident a deal would not be sprung upon him, that Riley would work with him, with that process apparently under way.

"I've been in the league 15 years," O'Neal said. "I've seen it all, been through it all. I've just got to sit back. We have the type of rapport that hopefully they would call me."

While O'Neal's current statistics continue to have him as one of the more productive centers in the Eastern Conference, his play has significantly declined since he helped lead the Heat to the 2006 NBA title.

O'Neal turns 36 next month, having missed significant time in each of his seasons with the Heat.

Should O'Neal be dealt, it could entice center Alonzo Mourning to push forward in returning from the devastating knee injury he sustained in December, possibly for a midseason comeback in 2008-09.

Word of the possible O'Neal trade came just hours after guard Dwyane Wade said it was clear that something had to change.

"We can't forfeit the rest of the season," he said. "I've never been a guy to point fingers and blame [others]. I'm also a part of the problem. I don't know what it is."

The Heat goes into tonight's game with the league's worst record and has lost 19 of 20.

"It is never fun when you're losing," Wade said. "It is hard to find the joy in being down 15 or 20 every game.""




This source was reported by the Miami Herald. Source Here

"The Heat has told center Shaquille O'Neal's representation that it is talking about trading him and he should be prepared for the possibility of a deal, according to two officials close to the situation. Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O'Neal.

Asked for confirmation, one of O'Neal's representatives said O'Neal has been made aware that discussions with Phoenix are serious and ongoing, but that a deal was not definite.

Dallas also has been mentioned as a potential destination, though the Heat had not immediately informed O'Neal of that possibility.

O'Neal, 35, was shocked by the turn of events, an associate said. O'Neal helped lead the Heat to the 2005-06 championship, but Miami has struggled since, losing in the first round of the playoffs last season and opening this season with a league-worst 9-37 record.

After this season, Marion can opt out of the last year of his contract worth $17.1 million. If Marion opts out, trading O'Neal would give the Heat substantial salary cap space this offseason, when potential free agents include Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, Ron Artest and Corey Maggette.

Marion, 29, is a four-time All-Star and considered one of the NBA's most athletic small forwards. Marion, 6-7, is averaging 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds.

Banks, 26, is averaging 5.2 points and 1.0 assists. After this season, he has three years left on his contract worth a total of $13.4 million.

O'Neal, who has been out with a hip injury, has two years left on his contract after this season. He will be paid $20 million each of the next two seasons.

On Tuesday, coach Pat Riley said O'Neal was scheduled to have a magnetic resonance imaging exam on his ailing left hip, which has kept him out the past six games.

''We just want to back it up and see, after two weeks, what it shows,'' Riley said.

Riley gave no indication as to when O'Neal would return to the lineup. Riley said O'Neal must strengthen his legs before returning to action, and that the center will be one of six players to miss Wednesday's game at Detroit.

Heat officials were on their way to Detroit and could not be reached for comment."

If the strategy is to open up cap space and bring another really good player to the Heat next year, this may very well be true. Phoenix may be desperate enough to believe Shaq has 1 or 2 more years left in him and try to win a Championship in Phoenix this year.